Dad’s family emigrated from Belgium, Mom’s family emigrated from Canada. Have very divided loyalties this afternoon!!
3 Likes
Our SILs are definitely not rooting for the same team! 
Their teams are on the opposite sides of the bracket, but chances are low that they end up playing each other. I’m rooting for peace at future holiday tables!
1 Like
Bummed for Canada. More proof that soccer is the cruelest game
We (USA) need to beat Iran.
Scenarios:
-
England beats Wales and US beats Iran (Eng 7, USA 5, Iran 3, Wales 1; Eng and USA through)
-
Eng and Wales tie, US beats Iran (Eng 5, USA 5, Iran 3, Wales 2; Eng and USA through)
-
Wales beats England, US beats Iran (USA 5, Eng 4,Wales 4, Iran 3; USA through, England through unless Wales beats them by at least three goals – so, England very likely are still through)
-
England beats Wales, Iran beats US (Eng 7, Iran 6, USA 2, Wales 1; Eng and Iran are through)
-
Eng and Wales tie, Iran beats US (Iran 6, Eng 5, USA 2, Wales 2; Iran and Eng are through)
-
Wales beats Eng, Iran beats US (Iran 6, Eng 4, Wales 4, USA 2; Iran through, and see #3 for Eng/Wales)
-
Eng beats Wales, US and Iran tie (Eng 7, Iran 4, USA 3, Wales 1; Eng and Iran are through)
-
Eng and Wales tie, US and Iran tie (Eng 5, IRan 4, USA 3, Wales 2; Eng and Iran are through)
-
Wales beats Eng, US and Iran tie (Eng 4, Wales 4, Iran 4, US 2; comes down to goal differential to decide which two go through)
So – the only way we go through is if we win. No other outcome will do.
I thought the US team looked the best I’ve ever seen them look against England. And you can’t say they looked good because they were playing a weak team. So, I really want that good play rewarded, and really want the US to go through. It would continue the evolution/trajectory of soccer in the US.
On the other hand, I am of Iranian descent. I know how desperately the average Iranian wants to join the world community and have some good news at this uncertain time. It’s a country that loves soccer and especially compared to the US is vastly underresourced. They are an underdog. So I really also want them to go through!
Not sure how I’ll be feeling after their match. Mixed feelings, I guess, happy for whoever goes through and sad for whoever doesn’t.
7 Likes
As a fan I want the U.S. to advance. Professionally I need them to advance. 
3 Likes
The Argentina-Mexico game was a blast. In the 2nd half, Messi showed why he is the best player of his generation. Hopefully they can keep it up against Poland.
In the other side of that group, I will root for a scoreless tie with red cards so that hopefully neither Saudi Arabia nor Mexico advance.
1 Like
The Iran game will be tough. They will sit and defend deep. Will have massive crowd support. Brought back memories of 2010. Win or go home.
1776!
1 Like
Loved the England-USA game. Kept hoping Pulisic scored an Olympic goal off his (multiple) corner kicks. The USA goalie (great performance) was making me nervous towards the end, moving way too forward, as if his team was a few men down. Looking forward to the USA-Iran game.
1 Like
Matt Turner has always been an unconventional goalkeeper. He’s up to this task.
1 Like
That’s for sure regarding Spain. I’ve seen most of the games played up to this point, and I can’t imagine anyone beating the Spain team that absolutely demolished Costa Rica. Spain’s reserves would be competitive against almost any other team.
The Spain-Germany game later today should be fun to watch. I have always been a Germany supporter but I doubt they have much of a chance against Spain.
Granted, anything is possible as Saudi Arabia and Japan have already proven, but damn … Spain is looking invincible … Busquets, Alba, Olmo, Pedri, Gavi, Asensio, Torres, Morata, Niko Williams etc etc etc … Pedri and Gavi are going to be the next Iniesta and Vila.
Wow, what a goal by Morocco!
1 Like
Excited to see Morocco with that upset! 
My mom’s home country.
6 Likes
My soccer-crazed Croatian relatives are happy!!
6 Likes
One SIL is happy here, too. Uh oh!
us too! especially after the very unCanadian comments by the Canadian coach, go Croatia!
End of Ghana vs South Korea was wild. South Korea was pissed off and their coach got a red card because they thought they should have been given more time.
I actually thought the call was the right call.
Pulisic scores, but appears hurt. He crashed into the GK on the goal. US playing a man down currently.